Welcome
Hello and welcome to the September edition of Insight North East. We hope you find this update interesting, and welcome your comments and feedback, so please do get in touch.
European funding update
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has given assurances that all structural and investment fund projects signed before the Autumn Statement will be fully funded, even when these projects continue beyond the UK’s departure from the EU.
We are working hard with our private and public sector partners to ensure that our region seizes maximum value from the EU Structural Funds programme and will also continue to seek clarity from Government about funding for projects beyond the Autumn Statement deadline, which is very important for the future economic growth of our region.
Read the full statement from the Treasury.
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Hope Street Xchange: Where business meets the University
Work is nearing completion on Hope Street Xchange, the University of Sunderland’s new centre for Enterprise and Innovation which received £4.9m from the Local Growth Fund (LGF).
This innovative and inspiring new building fuses together the old and the new. On one side, the 18th century Gas Board Buildings are being completely refurbished and will house FabLab Sunderland, the North East’s first digital fabrication laboratory. On the other, a contemporary and striking new addition has transformed the space, offering serviced offices, workshops, events spaces and a fabulous café featuring artwork from international artist Lothar Goetz.
Hope Street Xchange offers the opportunity for businesses to develop from first ideas within the Enterprise Place which nurtures student and graduate start-ups.
Hard-hat tours of the building are now being offered for prospective tenants to gain a first look at the range of spaces and facilities on offer. If you would like any more information please get in touch with Rebecca Robinson on 07748 334 915.
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An update on funds available to support the North East rural economy
Rural businesses and enterprises are a vital part of the North East economy. We also know that they can face barriers to growth which are specific to their rural location, such as poor infrastructure, scarcity of business premises and lack of business networks.
Gillian Hall, North East LEP Board Member, discusses the funding options available on our blog.
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Encouraging growth through digital technology
The North East LEP has teamed up with a range of partners including Microsoft, BT and the Dept for International Trade to develop ‘Growth Through Digital Technology’ a programme designed to show businesses how digital technology can be introduced to improve growth prospects.
At its heart is a range of highly practical workshops, delivered by programme partners, which will show how adopting and implementing a digital vision and strategy can and will help a company to grow.
The first event, ‘Newcastle SME Cloud Clinic‘ takes place on 20 October. Delivered by TechUK in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses, attendees will learn more about how to enhance their business using the Cloud.
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Business Planning: Getting it right
In his latest blog post, North East LEP Business Growth Director, Colin Bell, gives his top strategies for successful business planning.
From accessing finance through to having clear and focused goals, find out more on the blog.
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Encouraging growth in the North East economy
The Manufacturing Growth Programme (MGP) – part of the North East Growth Hub – is one of the ways the North East LEP is supporting SMEs to grow. Aimed specifically at SMEs operating in the manufacturing sector, the MGP is designed to help businesses identify barriers to growth and work with them to improve business performance and increase sales.
We spoke to David Land, North East LEP board member, (pictured), about the MGP and its aim to help companies achieve longevity. Read what he had to say.
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Innovation Challenge North East
The Innovation SuperNetwork has launched Innovation Challenge North East which is all about turning real-world challenges into commercial opportunities for businesses in the region.
The project provides a central place to highlight the big issues currently facing large corporates, the public sector and society at large.
By scanning the opportunities, businesses and entrepreneurs can quickly and easily consider if they have the technology, services and talent to provide solutions to address these challenges. Those that do can then receive support from innovation experts at Innovation SuperNetwork to pursue the opportunity it presents.
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A date for your diary - Venturefest North East
The region's innovation conference, VentureFest North East, will take place at St. James' Park on Tuesday 8 November. The programme is packed with inspirational content from those who’ve succeeded by daring to break the mould. There’s plenty of practical advice too from industry experts.
Register today to reserve your place.
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Give your feedback on the region's skills gap challenges
Attracting and keeping workers with the skills to do the job required is an issue that is never far from the forefront of most employers’ minds.
That’s why we’ve put together a ten-minute survey to get employer feedback on the skills gap challenges. It’s an opportunity for firms across many different sectors to input into the regional skills agenda.
In his latest blog. Andrew Hodgson, North East LEP chair, discusses the importance of addressing the skills gap for our region.
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